Texas State recognized as Hispanic Serving Institution

Posted by University News Service

March 24, 2011

The U.S. Department of Education has granted Texas State University-San Marcos official recognition as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

To receive the HSI designation, an institution must have an enrollment of undergraduate full-time-equivalent students that is at least 25 percent Hispanic. Texas State surpassed the 25 percent Hispanic undergraduate enrollment level in September 2010.

“We are proud that our enrollment reflects the true changing face of Texas. We have achieved this important outcome because of the efforts of many individuals across the university, and I sincerely appreciate those efforts,” said Texas State President Denise Trauth.

Achieving HSI status will mean the establishment of new goals, said Trauth.

“It has been our goal for several years to become an HSI. Now it is time we direct our efforts toward becoming the best HSI in the state,” said Trauth. “It is not enough to recruit talented students from all ethnicities – we must also continue to retain those students and see that they graduate. We will continue to deliver exceptional educational opportunities for all of our students.”

In 2010, Texas State was one of four institutions nationally cited for academic policies and programs that better serve Latino students. Texas State is the fourth – and the largest – HSI in Texas.

The Department of Education HSI program provides grants that allow schools to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students. HSI grants also allow schools to expand and enhance their academic offerings, program quality and institutional stability. Texas State is now eligible to apply for grants under the HSI program. In 2010, the Department of Education awarded grants totaling more than $60 million to HSIs.

Funds may be used for scientific or laboratory equipment for teaching, construction or renovation of instructional facilities, faculty development, purchase of educational materials, academic tutoring or counseling programs, distance learning programs, teacher education, student support services and other activities and purposes.